Outback Steakhouse, Inc. March 2004 10-Q

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________

FORM 10‑Q

(Mark One)

x           QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

OR

o            TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________.

1-15935
(Commission File Number)
___________________________


OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

                            

59-3061413
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                                                                                                         

                                  

                                                                                                        

2202 N. West Shore Boulevard, Suite 500
Tampa, Florida
(Address of principal executive offices)

                           

33607
(Zip Code)

(813) 282-1225
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
___________________________

                Indicate by check mark whether registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report(s)), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES  x  NO  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES  x  NO  o

              As of May 5, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 74,330,134 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value.




OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10‑Q
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2004

INDEX

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

                   

 

Page

Item 1.

Consolidated Financial Statements:

                   

 

 

                   

                   

Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2004 (Unaudited)
and December 31, 2003

3

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) —
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

4

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) —
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003

5

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

6

 

 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations

15

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

33

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

34

 

                                                                                                                                

 

                                                                                                                                

 

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

35

 

 

Item 2.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

35

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8‑K

36

 

 

SIGNATURE

37

 

 

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Table of Contents

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

MARCH 31,

2004

DECEMBER 31,

(UNAUDITED)

2003



ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

           92,304

 

$

         102,892

 

Short-term investments

           19,901

           20,824

 

Inventories

 

           55,457

 

 

           59,608

 

Deferred income tax asset

           12,330

           11,757

 

Other current assets

 

           42,219

 

 

           37,529

 



Total current assets

         222,211

         232,610

Property, fixtures and equipment, net

 

      1,104,836

 

 

      1,049,546

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates, net

           15,985

           31,878

Goodwill

 

           91,467

 

 

           86,745

 

Other assets

           76,741

           74,008

Notes receivable collateral for franchisee guarantee

 

           28,639

 

 

                   -  

 



$

      1,539,879

$

      1,474,787



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

Accounts payable

$

           67,260

 

$

           58,533

 

Sales taxes payable

           23,104

           21,402

 

Accrued expenses

 

           94,209

 

 

            82,365

 

Unearned revenue

           33,482

           82,670

 

Income taxes payable

 

           14,861

 

 

             2,358

 

Current portion of long-term debt

           48,040

           48,901

 

Guaranteed debt of franchisee

 

           28,743

 

 

                   -  

 



Total current liabilities

         309,699

         296,229

Partner deposit and accrued buyout liability

 

           67,195

 

 

           63,045

 

Deferred income tax liability

           17,403

           14,482

Long-term debt

 

 

           14,300

 

 

             9,550

 

Other long-term liabilities

             5,189

             5,189



 

Total liabilities

 

         413,786

 

 

         388,495

 



Commitments and contingencies

Interest of minority partners in consolidated partnerships

 

           64,053

 

 

           60,022

 



Stockholders' Equity

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 78,750 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78,750 shares issued; 74,552 and 74,279 shares outstanding as of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

 

                788

 

 

                788

 

Additional paid-in capital

         265,605

         254,852

 

Retained earnings

 

         966,539

 

 

         934,516

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

           (2,140

)

           (2,078

)



 

 

 

 

 

      1,230,792

 

 

      1,188,078

 

Less treasury stock, 4,198 and 4,471 shares at March 31, 2004

and December 31, 2003, respectively, at cost

       (168,752

)

       (161,808

)



 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

      1,062,040

 

 

      1,026,270

 



$

      1,539,879

$

      1,474,787



  See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands except per share data, unaudited)

  THREE MONTHS ENDED

  MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant sales

$

       811,592

$

       646,672

 

Other revenues

 

           4,969

 

 

           5,006

 



Total revenues

       816,561

       651,678



Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

       292,437

       232,831

 

Labor & other related

 

       199,025

 

 

       158,950

 

Other restaurant operating

       169,614

        135,004

 

Distribution expense to employee partners, excluding stock expense

 

         18,523

 

 

         15,183

 

Employee partner stock buyout expense

           2,079

           1,255

 

Depreciation

 

         24,477

 

 

          19,953

 

General & administrative

         30,703

         22,496

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

 

            (253

)

 

         (1,289

)



Total costs and expenses

       736,605

       584,383



Income from operations

 

         79,956

 

 

         67,295

 

Other income (expense), net

            (873

)

            (943

)

Interest income

 

              332

 

 

              542

 

Interest expense

            (705

)

            (353

)



Income before elimination of minority partners'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interest and income taxes

 

         78,710

 

 

         66,541

 

Elimination of minority partners' interest

           4,397

           1,323



Income before provision for income taxes

 

         74,313

 

 

         65,218

 

Provision for income taxes

         25,982

         22,643



Net income

$

         48,331

 

$

         42,575

 



Basic earnings per common share

$

             0.65

 

$

             0.56

 



Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding

         74,487

         75,755



Diluted earnings per common share

$

             0.62

 

  $

             0.54

 



Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding

         78,499

         78,215



Cash dividends per common share

$

             0.13

 

$

             0.12

 



See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

            48,331

$

            42,575

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

            24,477

            19,953

 

Employee partner stock buyout expense

 

              2,079

 

 

              1,255

 

Minority partners’ interest in consolidated partnerships’ income

              4,397

              1,323

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

 

                (253

)

 

             (1,289

)

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes

 

              2,348

 

 

             (4,333

)

Loss on disposal of property, fixtures and equipment

                 900

                 759

 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and FIN 46 consolidations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease (increase) in inventories

              5,218

           (13,878

)

 

 

Increase in other current assets

 

             (3,992

)

 

             (1,693

)

Increase in other assets

             (2,578

)

             (1,104

)

 

 

Increase in accounts payable, sales taxes payable and accrued expenses

 

            14,266

 

 

              3,952

 

Increase in partner deposit and accrued buyout liability

               2,071

              2,750

 

 

Decrease in unearned revenue

 

           (50,776

)

 

           (41,873

)

Increase in income taxes payable

            23,256

            14,183



Net cash provided by operating activities

            69,744

            22,580



Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of investment securities

           (45,190

)

                (233

)

 

Maturities and sales of investment securities

 

             46,113

 

 

                    -  

 

Capital expenditures

           (57,838

)

           (38,488

)

 

Proceeds from the sale of property, fixtures and equipment

 

              2,377

 

 

                    -  

 

Increase in cash from adoption of FIN 46

              1,080

                    -  

 

Payments from unconsolidated affiliates

 

                   70

 

 

              7,034

 

Distributions to unconsolidated affiliates

                    -  

             (1,940

)

 

Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates

 

                (186

)

 

                (652

)



Net cash used in investing activities

           (53,574

)

           (34,279

)



Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

              4,107

                 871

 

Proceeds from minority partners' contributions

 

                 393

 

 

              4,357

 

Distributions to minority partners

              (7,788

)

                (611

)

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

                (218

)

 

                (191

)

Dividends paid

             (9,684

)

             (9,109

)

 

Payments for purchase of treasury stock

 

           (36,608

)

 

            (20,283

)

Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock

            23,040

              4,836



 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

           (26,758

)

 

           (20,130

)



Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

           (10,588

)

           (31,829

)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 

          102,892

 

 

          187,578

 



Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

$

            92,304

$

          155,749



Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

$

                 593

$

                 403

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

              3,166

 

$

              8,748

 

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash items:

 

Assets received for note 

$

                    -  

 

$

              5,569

 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1.         Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Outback Steakhouse, Inc. (the "Company") pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring entries) necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented have been included.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and financial notes thereto included in the Company's 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

2.         Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation under the intrinsic value method.  No stock-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income to the extent options granted had an exercise price equal to or exceeding the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.  The following table provides pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts using the fair value based method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”:

 

THREE MONTHS ENDED

         

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Net income

$

         48,331

 

$

         42,575

 

Stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income,

net of related taxes

           1,272

              803

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  under fair value based method, net of related taxes

 

         (4,421

)

 

         (3,932

)



Pro forma net income

 $

         45,182

$

         39,446



Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Basic

$

             0.65

$

             0.56



 

  Basic - pro forma

 $

             0.61

 

$

             0.52

 



  Diluted

$

             0.62

$

             0.54



 

  Diluted - pro forma

 $

             0.58

 

$

             0.50

 



The preceding pro forma results were calculated with the use of the Black Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were used for the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively: (1) risk-free interest rates of 2.80% and 2.78%; (2) dividend yield of 1.27% and 1.50%; (3) expected lives of 5.0 years; and (4) volatility of 30.4% and 32.0%. Results may vary depending on the assumptions applied within the model. Compensation expense recognized in providing pro forma disclosures may not be representative of the effects on net income for future periods.

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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3.         Other Current Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Deposits

$

              2,242

 

$

              2,218

 

Accounts receivable

            11,642

            12,855

Accounts receivable - franchisees

 

              2,269

 

 

              2,633

 

Prepaid expenses

            24,162

            18,485

Other current assets

 

              1,904

 

 

              1,338

 



$

            42,219

$

            37,529



4.         Property, Fixtures and Equipment, Net

Property, fixtures and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Land

$

          172,162

 

$

          170,815

 

Buildings & building improvements

          553,784

          516,081

Furniture & fixtures

 

          159,354

 

 

          145,151

 

Equipment

          378,372

          347,560

Leasehold improvements

 

          270,924

 

 

          259,914

 

Construction in progress

            35,478

            38,548

Accumulated depreciation

 

         (465,238

)

 

         (428,523

)



$

       1,104,836

$

       1,049,546



5.         Goodwill

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2004 is as follows (in thousands):

December 31, 2003

$

            86,745

 

Acquisitions (see Note 11 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements)

              4,722


March 31, 2004

$

            91,467

 


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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

6.         Other Assets

Other assets consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Other assets

$

            54,143

 

$

            51,389

 

Liquor licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $3,781 and $3,617, respectively     

              9,848

              9,619

Deferred license fee, net of valuation provision of approximately $2,250 and $2,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

  at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

            12,750

 

 

            13,000



$

            76,741

$

            74,008



In January 2001, the Company entered into a ten-year licensing agreement with an entity owned by minority interest owners of certain non-restaurant operations. The licensing agreement transferred the right and license to use certain assets of these non-restaurant operations.  The Company has deferred recognition of a gain of $1,189,000 associated with the transaction until such time as the fees due under the licensing agreement are realized.  (See Note 9 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.)

Other assets includes approximately $16,245,000 as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, in loans to the Company’s operating partners in the Outback/Fleming’s, LLC (the “LLC”, which is a consolidated entity) for its partners’ share of capital to build new restaurants required beyond the initial capital contributed by the Company pursuant to the LLC agreement. The Company expects to continue to make advances to its operating partners for the construction of new restaurants, and the assets of the LLC will continue to collateralize these advances.  The Company periodically assesses the loan balance for impairment, which is generally measured by expected future cash flows of the restaurant system as compared to the partners’ interest in the LLC. The Company has a 51% ownership interest in the LLC, and is subject to a purchase or sale option after the twentieth restaurant is opened, which may require the Company to purchase an additional 40% in the LLC at a market value as determined by the terms of the LLC agreement.  The twentieth restaurant is scheduled to open in the second half of 2004.

In February 2004, the Company acquired the future royalty payments of one of the cofounders of Bonefish Grill in accordance with the terms of the Bonefish agreements, as the founder was killed in a boating accident in January 2004.  The Company paid approximately $978,000 for the royalty interest, which is now included in other assets in the Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet.

7.         Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Accrued payroll and other compensation

$

            32,344

 

$

            30,103

 

Accrued insurance

            20,570

            18,669

Accrued property taxes

 

              8,873

 

 

              8,985

 

Other accrued expenses

            32,422

            24,608



 

$

            94,209

 

$

            82,365

 



During 2003, the Company recorded a provision for impaired assets and restaurant closings of approximately $5,319,000, which included approximately $1,200,000 for one Outback Steakhouse restaurant closing in Puerto Rico, and approximately $1,944,000 for one Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar closing in Dallas.  The remainder of the provision was for the reduction in carrying value of five Outback Steakhouses.  The restaurant closing provision primarily consisted of the write down of the Dallas building and write off of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures as well as expenses to terminate the Puerto Rico restaurant’s property lease.  Remaining accrued restaurant closing expenses of approximately $231,000 and $307,000 were included in other accrued expenses as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, related to the restaurant closing provision.

8



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

8.         Long-term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Revolving lines of credit, interest at 1.83% at March 31, 2004 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2003

$

       10,000

 

$

       10,000

 

Outback Korea notes payable, interest rates ranging from 5.90% to 7.00% at

March 31, 2004 and 5.60% to 6.00% at December 31, 2003

       24,169

       21,130

Outback Japan notes payable, uncollateralized, interest rates ranging from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.76% to 1.88% at March 31, 2004 and 0.68% to 1.88% at December 31, 2003

 

        11,072

 

 

       16,249

 

Outback Japan revolving lines of credit, interest rates ranging from 0.76% to 0.77% at

March 31, 2004 and 0.77% at December 31, 2003, respectively

       10,992

         5,648

Other notes payable, uncollateralized, interest rates ranging

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from 2.07% to 7.00% at March 31, 2004 and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.40% to 7.00% at December 31, 2003

 

         6,107

 

 

         5,424

 

Guaranteed debt of franchisee

       28,743

               -  



       91,083

       58,451

Less current portion

 

       48,040

 

 

       48,901

 

Less current guaranteed debt of franchisee

       28,743

               -  



Long-term debtof Outback Steakhouse, Inc.

$

       14,300

 

$

         9,550

 



LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company has an uncollateralized revolving line of credit which permits borrowing up to a maximum of $125,000,000 at 57.5 basis points over the 30, 60, 90 or 180 day London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (ranging from 1.09% to 1.16% at March 31, 2004 and ranging from 1.12% to 1.22% at December 31, 2003).  At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the unused portion of the revolving line of credit was $115,000,000. The credit agreement matures in December 2004.  Subsequent to March 31, 2004, the Company replaced this line of credit with a new facility, and therefore classified the $10,000,000 owed as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  (See Note 15 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).

The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement which require the Company to maintain net worth of $618,500,000 as of March 31, 2004, a fixed charge coverage at a minimum of 3.5 to 1.0, and a maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.0 to 1.0. At March 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all of the above debt covenants.

The Company has a $15,000,000 uncollateralized line of credit bearing interest at rates ranging from 57.5 to 95.0 basis points over LIBOR.  Approximately $11,882,000 and $8,942,000 of the line of credit was committed for the issuance of letters of credit at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, as required by insurance companies that underwrite the Company’s workers’ compensation insurance and also where required for construction of new restaurants.  The remaining $3,118,000 at March 31, 2004 is available to the Company.  Subsequent to March 31, 2004, the Company replaced this line of credit with a new facility.  (See Note 15 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).

As of March 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $6,107,000 of notes payable at interest rates ranging from 2.07% to 7.00%, which mature through 2009.  These notes have been primarily issued for buyouts of general manager interests in the cash flows of their restaurants and generally are payable over five years.

9



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

8.         Long-term Debt (continued)

The Company has notes payable with banks bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.90% to 6.00% to finance development of the Company’s restaurants in Korea.  The notes are denominated and payable in Korean won and mature at dates ranging from August 2004 to March 2005. As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was approximately $24,169,000 and $21,130,000, respectively.  Certain of the notes payable are collateralized by lease and other deposits. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, collateralized notes totaled approximately $20,865,000 and $16,490,000, respectively.

In April 2003, the Company obtained a controlling interest in its franchised restaurants in Japan (“Outback Japan”). As a result, upon closing of the transaction the Company became directly liable for notes outstanding that it had previously guaranteed. The notes are payable to banks, collateralized by lease deposits of approximately $3,300,000 and letters of credit and bear interest at rates ranging from 0.76% to 1.88%. The notes are denominated and payable in Japanese yen, with outstanding balances maturing at dates ranging from April through September 2004. As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, outstanding balances totaled approximately $11,072,000 and $16,249,000, respectively.

In October 2003, Outback Japan established a revolving line of credit to finance the development of new restaurants in Japan and refinance certain notes payable.  The line permits borrowing up to a maximum of $10,000,000 with interest at 70.0, 82.5 or 107.5 basis points over LIBOR. The line matures in December 2004. As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company had borrowed approximately $9,790,000 and $5,648,000, respectively, on the line of credit at an interest rate of 0.77%, maturing in June and August 2004.  The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.  As of March 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants.  Subsequent to March 31, 2004, Outback Japan amended this line of credit.  (See Note 15 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.)

In February 2004, Outback Japan established an additional revolving line of credit to finance the development of new restaurants in Japan and refinance certain notes payable.  The line permits borrowing up to a maximum of $10,000,000 with interest of LIBOR divided by a percentage equal to 1.00 minus the Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage. The line matures in December 2006. As of March 31, 2004, the Company had borrowed approximately $1,202,000 on the line of credit at an interest rate of 0.77%, maturing in September 2004.  The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.  As of March 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all of the debt covenants.

The Company is the guarantor of an uncollateralized line of credit that permits borrowing of up to $35,000,000, maturing in December 2004, for a limited liability company owned by its California franchisee.  The Company was required to consolidate the entity holding this debt (“T-Bird”) effective January 1, 2004 upon adoption of a new accounting standard (see Note 13 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).  At March 31, 2004, the outstanding balance on the line of credit was $28,743,000 and is included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The Company also guarantees additional term loans associated with the owner of T-Bird, which are not consolidated, and which had outstanding balances of approximately $352,000 as of March 31, 2004.  As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was approximately $28,583,000, and was disclosed as a guarantee, but was not consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.  The line of credit bears interest at rates ranging from 57.5 to 95.0 basis points over LIBOR based on T-Bird’s ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA, as defined by the line of credit agreement. 

10



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

8.         Long-term Debt (continued)

DEBT GUARANTEES

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.”  FIN 45 requires that upon the issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize the liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under the guarantee.  FIN 45 provides that initial recognition and measurement should be applied on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, irrespective of the guarantor’s fiscal year end.  The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of both interim and annual periods that end after December 15, 2002.  The Company has complied with the disclosure requirements and did not have any modifications of outstanding guarantees subsequent to December 31, 2002 through March 31, 2004.  The Company has the following outstanding debt guarantees, all of which existed prior to December 31, 2002, that could require recognition in the Consolidated Financial Statements if future modifications occur or upon renewal of the guarantee.

The Company is the guarantor of an uncollateralized line of credit that permits borrowing of up to a maximum of $24,500,000, maturing in December 2004, for its joint venture partner in the development of Roy’s restaurants. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was approximately $21,541,000 and $21,435,000, respectively.

The Company is the guarantor of up to $9,445,000 of a $68,000,000 note for an unconsolidated affiliate, Kentucky Speedway, in which the Company has a 22.22% equity interest and for which the Company operates catering and concession facilities. Payments on this note began in December 2003 with final maturity December 2022. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance and our guarantee on the note were approximately $66,550,000 and $9,244,000, respectively.

The Company’s contractual unconsolidated debt guarantees as of March 31, 2004 are summarized in the table below (in thousands):

CURRENT

LONG-TERM

TOTAL

PORTION

PORTION




Debtguarantees

$

         33,744

 

$

         24,715

 

$

           9,029

 

Amount outstanding under debt guarantees

$

         30,785

$

         21,756

$

           9,029

9.         Other Long-term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):

MARCH 31,

DECEMBER 31,

2004

2003

(UNAUDITED)

 



Accrued insurance

$

              4,000

 

$

              4,000

Other deferred liability

              1,189

              1,189



 

$

              5,189

 

$

              5,189



11



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

10.        Foreign Currency Translation and Comprehensive Income

For all significant non-U.S. operations, the functional currency is the local currency.  Assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  Results of operations are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period.  Translation gains and losses are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. 

Comprehensive income includes net income and foreign currency translation adjustments.  Total comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $48,269,000, which included the effect of losses from translation adjustments of approximately $62,000 during the quarter.

11.        Business Combinations

On March 1, 2004, the Company acquired the 36% minority ownership interests of its partners in nine Carrabba's restaurants in Texas for approximately $3,738,000 in cash.  No minority interest for these stores has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements since that date.  The Company recorded goodwill of approximately $4,722,000 associated with this transaction, all of which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

12.        Earnings Per Share

The following table represents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share as required by SFAS No. 128 “Earnings Per Share” (in thousands, except per share data):

THREE MONTHS ENDED

 

MARCH 31,


 

2004

2003



Net income

$

       48,331

 

$

       42,575

 

Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding

       74,487

       75,755

Basic earnings per common share

$

           0.65

 

$

           0.56

 

Effect of dilutive stock options

         4,012

         2,460

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

 

       78,499

 

 

       78,215

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

           0.62

$

           0.54

Diluted earnings per common share excludes antidilutive stock options of approximately 2,354,000 for the first quarter of 2003.  There were no antidilutive options for the first quarter of 2004.

13.        Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

“Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities”

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.”  This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” addresses consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity.  The interpretation requires that if a business enterprise has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity, the assets, liabilities, and results of the activities of the variable interest entity must be included in the consolidated financial statements with those of the business enterprise. 

This interpretation applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest after that date.  FIN 46 initially applied to preexisting variable interest entities no later than the beginning of the first interim reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003.  However, the implementation deadline was delayed by the FASB to periods ending after March 15, 2004 and the FASB issued a revised “FIN 46R” in December 2003.  The Company adopted FIN 46R effective January 1, 2004 and is an investor in several variable interest entities as discussed below.

12



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

13.        Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards (continued)

“Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (continued)

The Company’s joint ventures in the Outback/Fleming’s LLC (the “LLC”) and the Roy’s/Outback Joint Venture (the “Roy’s JV”) have historically been consolidated by the Company.  These ventures are considered variable interest entities under the provisions of FIN 46, and the Company has continued consolidating them upon adoption of that interpretation.  The LLC and the Roy’s JV restaurant systems consist of approximately 17 and 13 restaurants, respectively, as of March 31, 2004. 

The Company has ownership interests in 33 individual joint ventures that were previously reported by the Company as unconsolidated development joint ventures.  As of January 1, 2004, the Company consolidated those joint ventures, which consist of 29 Carrabba's Italian Grills, two Outback Steakhouses, one Roy’s and one Bonefish Grill, as it is the primary beneficiary of those entities.  The Company has ownership interests in 11 individual 50/50 joint ventures that remained unconsolidated upon adoption of FIN 46, as the Company was not deemed the primary beneficiary.

The Company has a minority investment in an unconsolidated affiliate in which it has a 22.22% equity interest and for which it operates catering and concession facilities.  Additionally, the Company guarantees a portion of the affiliate’s debt (see Note 8 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).  Although the Company holds an interest in this variable interest entity, it is currently believed that the Company is not the primary beneficiary of this entity and therefore it was not consolidated upon adoption of FIN 46.

The Company is a franchisor of 144 restaurants as of March 31, 2004, but does not possess any ownership interests in its franchisees and generally does not provide financial support to franchisees in its typical franchise relationship.  These franchise relationships were not deemed variable interest entities and were not consolidated upon adoption of FIN 46.  However, the Company guarantees an uncollateralized line of credit that permits borrowing of up to $35,000,000, maturing in December 2004, for one of its franchisees (see Note 8 of Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements).  The limited liability company that holds this line of credit was deemed to be a variable interest entity and was consolidated by the Company effective January 1, 2004.  This entity draws on its line of credit to loan funds to corporations in California to purchase and/or build land and buildings for lease to individual Outback Steakhouse franchisee partnerships.  Therefore, it holds as collateral the notes receivable and underlying assets from these corporations in offsetting amounts to the debt owed to the bank, which are both now included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet and Statement of Income as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

The following table reflects the approximate effect of consolidation of the above entities on the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Income and Balance Sheet as of and through the period ended March 31, 2004 (in thousands):

Revenues

$

          23,843

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

        (1,000 

)

Elimination of minority partners’ interest

        1,050  

Net income

           -  

Basic and diluted earnings per common share

 

            -  

 

Current assets

      2,845  

Property, fixtures and equipment, net

 

   25,206  

 

Current liabilities

        5,858  

Interest of minority partners in consolidated partnerships

 

   6,148  

 

13



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

14.  Commitments and Contingencies

In June 2003, in a civil case against the Company in Indiana state court alleging liability under the "dram shop" liquor liability statute, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the two plaintiffs who were injured by a drunk driver.  The portion of the verdict against the Company was $39,000,000.  The Company intends to appeal the decision and believes it has valid grounds for appeal.  The Company has insurance coverage related to this case provided by its primary carrier for $21,000,000 and by an excess insurance carrier for the balance of the verdict of approximately $19,000,000.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the excess insurance carrier filed a declaratory judgment suit claiming it was not notified of the case and is therefore not liable for its portion of the verdict.  The Company does not believe the excess carrier’s case has any merit and the Company intends to vigorously defend the case.  If the excess carrier’s suit were to succeed, the Company believes it would have rights against the primary carrier and its third party administrator to recover any amounts the Company may have to pay.

In January 2004, one of the cofounders of Bonefish Grill was killed in a boating accident.  Under the terms of the Bonefish agreements, the Company will purchase the ownership interest of this founder in the Bonefish partnership.  The purchase price of the ownership interest will be assessed at the fair market value of actual restaurants open and in operation at the time of purchase, estimated to be approximately $9,000,000.

15.        Subsequent Events

On April 21, 2004, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share of the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable June 4, 2004 to shareholders of record as of May 21, 2004.

During the quarter ended 2004, the Board of Directors approved an amendment and restatement (the “Amendment”) of the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) to allow for the grant of shares of restricted common stock under the Plan and to increase the number of shares for which options and shares of restricted common stock may be granted under the Plan by 1,000,000, or from 22,500,000 to 23,500,000.  This amendment was approved by vote of the shareholders of the Company on April 21, 2004.

Effective April 27, 2004, the Company replaced a $125,000,000 revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new uncollateralized three-year $150,000,000 revolving bank credit facility that matures in June 2007.  The revolving line of credit permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 50 to 90 basis points over the 30, 60, 90 or 180 day London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).  The credit agreement contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement that require the Company to maintain consolidated net worth equal to or greater than consolidated total debt and a maximum total consolidated debt to EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent) ratio of 3.0 to 1.0.

The Company also replaced a $15,000,000 line of credit that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new $20,000,000 uncollateralized line of credit.  The new line of credit matures in June 2007 and permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 50 to 90 basis points over LIBOR for loan draws and 65 to 112.5 basis points over LIBOR for letters of credit.  The credit agreement contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.

Effective April 27, 2004, Outback Japan amended its $10,000,000 revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new maturity date in June 2007.   Additionally, the revolving line of credit now permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 70 to 107.5 basis points over LIBOR.  The credit agreement amendment contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.

14



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes.

Overview

We are one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world, with seven restaurant concepts, over 1,000 system-wide restaurants and 2003 annual revenues for Company-owned stores exceeding $2.7 billion.  We operate in all 50 states and in 21 countries internationally, predominantly through Company-owned stores, but we also operate under a variety of partnerships and franchises.  Our primary focus as a company of restaurants is to provide a quality product together with quality service across all of our brands.  This goal entails offering consumers of different demographic backgrounds an array of dining alternatives suited for differing needs.  Our sales are primarily generated through a diverse customer base, which includes people eating in our restaurants as regular users who return for meals several times a week or on special occasions such as birthday parties, private events, and for business entertainment.  Secondarily, we generate revenues through sale of franchises and ongoing royalties as well as the sale and redemption of gift certificates.

The restaurant industry is a highly competitive and fragmented business, which is subject to sensitivity from changes in the economy, trends in lifestyles and fluctuating costs.  Operating margins for restaurants are susceptible to fluctuations in prices of commodities, which include among other things, beef, chicken, seafood, butter, cheese, produce and other necessities to operate a store such as natural gas or other energy supplies.  Additionally, the restaurant industry is characterized by a high initial capital investment, coupled with high labor costs.  The combination of these factors underscores our initiatives to drive increased sales at existing stores in order to raise margins and profits, because the incremental sales contribution to profits from every additional dollar of sales above the minimum costs required to open, staff and operate a store is very high.  We are not a company focused on growth in the number of restaurants just to generate additional sales.  Our expansion and operation strategies are to balance investment costs and the economic factors of operation, in order to generate reasonable, sustainable margins and achieve acceptable returns on investment from our restaurant concepts.

Promotion of our Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba's Italian Grill restaurants is assisted by the use of national broadcast and spot television and radio media, which we have also begun to use for our Bonefish Grill brand.  We advertise on television in spot markets when our brands achieve sufficient penetration to make a meaningful broadcast schedule affordable.  We rely on word-of-mouth customer experience, grassroots marketing in local venues, direct mail and national print media to support broadcast media and as the primary campaigns for our upscale casual and newer brands.  We do not run price specials or attempt to lure customers with discounts, as is common to many restaurants in the casual dining industry.  Our advertising dollars are targeted to promote and maintain brand image and develop consumer awareness. We strive to drive sales through excellence in execution rather than through discounting and other short-lived marketing efforts.  Our marketing strategy of getting people to visit frequently and also recommend our restaurants to others complements what we believe are the fundamental elements of success: convenient sites, service-oriented employees, and flawless execution in a well-managed restaurant. 

Key factors which can be used in evaluating and understanding our restaurants and assessing our business include the following:

–          Average unit volumes – a per store calculated average sales amount, which helps us gauge the changes in consumer traffic, pricing and development of the brand;

–          Operating margins –store revenues after deduction of the main store-level operating costs (including cost of sales, restaurant operating expenses, and labor and related costs);

–          System-wide sales – a total sales volume for all company-owned, franchise, and unconsolidated joint venture stores, regardless of ownership to interpret the health of our brands; and

–          Same-store or comparable sales – a year-over-year comparison of sales volumes for stores that are open in both years order to remove the impact of new openings in comparing the operations of existing stores.

15



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview (continued)

Our consolidated operating results are affected by the growth of our newer brands.  As we continue to develop and expand new restaurant concepts at different rates, our cost of sales, labor costs, restaurant operating expenses, and income from operations change from the mix of brands in our portfolio with slightly different operating characteristics.  Labor and related expenses are higher at our new format stores than have typically been experienced at Outback Steakhouses.  However, cost of sales at those stores is lower than those at Outback.  These trends are expected to continue with our planned development of stores in 2004.

Our industry’s challenges and risks include, but are not limited to, the potential for government regulation, the availability of employees, consumer perceptions regarding food safety and/or the health benefits of certain types of food, including attitudes about alcohol consumption, economic conditions and commodity pricing.  We have provided information in our Outlook section that outlines our current beliefs regarding the anticipated changes to our operations resulting from increased beef prices and other commodity costs, continued preopening expenses from the development of new restaurants and our expansion strategy, among other factors that may affect our results in 2004. 

Results of Operations (unaudited)

The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, (i) the percentages that the items in our Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income bear to total revenues or restaurant sales, as indicated, and (ii) selected operating data:

THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Revenues

 

 

 

 

Restaurant sales

           99.4

%

           99.2

%

 

Other revenues

             0.6

 

             0.8

 



Total revenues

         100.0

         100.0

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales (1)

           36.0

           36.0

 

Labor & other related (1)

           24.5

 

           24.6

 

Other restaurant operating (1)

           20.9

           20.9

 

Distribution expense to employee partners, excluding stock expense

             2.3

 

             2.3

 

Employee partner stock buyout expense

             0.3

             0.2

 

Depreciation

             3.0

 

             3.1

 

General & administrative

             3.8

             3.5

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

  (*

)

            (0.2

)

Total costs and expenses

           90.2

           89.7



Income from operations

             9.8

 

           10.3

 

Other income (expense), net

            (0.1

)

            (0.1

)

Interest income

  *

 

             0.1

 

Interest expense

            (0.1

)

            (0.1

)



Income before elimination of minority partners' interest and income taxes    

              9.6

 

           10.2

 

Elimination of minority partners' interest

             0.5

             0.2



Income before provision for income taxes

             9.1

 

           10.0

 

Provision for income taxes

             3.2

             3.5



Net income

             5.9

%

             6.5

%

____________



(1) As a percentage of restaurant sales.

*

Less than 1/10 of one percent of total revenues

  See discussion below for the impact of FIN 46 and other factors on the above ratios.

16



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

System-wide sales grew by 16.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.  System-wide sales is a non-GAAP financial measure that includes sales of all restaurants operating under our brand names, whether we own them or not.  The two components of system-wide sales, including those of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and those of franchisees and unconsolidated development joint ventures, is provided below:

THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC. RESTAURANT SALES (in millions):

Outback Steakhouses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic

$

           575

$

           505

 

International

 

             35

 

 

             21

 



Total

           610

           526

Carrabba's Italian Grills

 

            122

 

 

             76

 

Other restaurants

             80

             45



Total Company-owned restaurant sales

$

           812

 

$

           647

 



The following information presents sales for the franchised and unconsolidated development joint venture restaurants.  These are restaurants that are not owned by us and from which we only receive a franchise royalty or a portion of their total income.  Management believes that franchise and unconsolidated development joint venture sales information is useful in analyzing our revenues because franchisees and affiliates pay service fees and/or royalties that generally are based on a percent of sales.  Management also uses this information to make decisions about future plans for the development of additional restaurants and new concepts as well as evaluation of current operations.

These sales do not represent sales of Outback Steakhouse, Inc., and are presented only as an indicator of the changes in the restaurant system, which we believe is important information regarding the health of our restaurant brands.

THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



FRANCHISE AND DEVELOPMENT JOINT VENTURE SALES (in millions) (1):

Outback Steakhouses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Domestic (3)

$

             88

$

             96

 

International

 

             23

 

 

             24

 



Total

           111

           120

Carrabba's Italian Grills (3)

 

              -  

 

 

             22

 

Other restaurants (3)

               3

               4



Total franchise and development joint venture sales (1)

$

           114

 

$

           146

 



Income from franchise and development joint ventures (2) (3)

$

               4

$

               6

____________



(1)  Franchise and development joint venture sales are not included in Company revenues as reported in our Unaudited Consolidated

Statements of Income.

(2)  Represents the franchise royalty and portion of total income included in our Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income in the

line items Other revenues or Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates.

(3)  Two Outback Steakhouses, 29 Carrabba's Italian Grills, one Bonefish Grill and one Roy's are now included in Company-owned stores

as a result of adoption of FIN 46.  Additionally, the 36% minority ownership interests of our partners in nine of the newly

consolidated Carrabba's were acquired in March 2004.

17



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations (unaudited) (continued)

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Number of restaurants (at end of the period):

 

 

 

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

 

Company owned- domestic

        629

  (1)

 

        589

 

Company owned - international

          57

          33

 

Franchised and development joint venture– domestic

        100

  (1)

 

        118

 

Franchised and development joint venture- international

          51

          55



 

Total

        837

 

 

        795

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

 

Company owned

        154

  (1)

 

          98

 

Development joint venture

           -  

  (1)

          29



 

Total

        154

 

 

        127

 



Bonefish Grills

 

  Company owned

          38

  (1)

 

          15

 

  Franchised and development joint venture

            4

  (1)

            4



 

  Total

          42

 

 

          19

 



Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

 

Company owned

          22

 

 

          18

 



Roy’s                                                  

 

Company owned

          18

  (1)

 

          15

 

Franchised and development joint venture

           -  

  (1)

            2



 

Total

          18

 

 

          17

 



Lee Roy Selmon’s

 

Company owned

            2

 

 

            1

 



Cheeseburger in Paradise

 

Company owned

            4

 

 

            1

 



System-wide total

     1,079

        978



____________

(1)  Two Outback Steakhouses, 29 Carrabba's Italian Grills, one Bonefish Grill and one Roy's are now included in Company-owned stores

  as a result of adoption of FIN 46.  Additionally, the 36% minority ownership interests of our partners in nine of the newly

  consolidated Carrabba's were acquired in March 2004.

 

18



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited)

REVENUES

Restaurant sales.Restaurant sales increased by 25.5% to $811,592,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $646,672,000 in the same period in 2003.  The increase in restaurant sales was primarily attributable to the following: additional revenues of approximately $54,451,000 from the opening of new restaurants after March 31, 2003; an increase of approximately $23,843,000 resulting from the consolidation of 33 joint venture stores due to implementation of a new accounting pronouncement effective January 1, 2004; revenues of approximately $16,671,000 from the acquisitions of 19 franchised Outback Steakhouses in Alabama and New York in July and August 2003; and additional revenues of approximately $5,573,000 from obtaining the controlling interest in our franchise operating restaurants in Japan in April 2003.  The following table includes additional activities that influenced the changes in restaurant sales at domestic Company owned restaurants for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003:

THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Average unit volumes (weekly) for restaurants opened for one year or more:

 

 

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

$

70,643

$

67,140

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

 

62,914

 

 

62,791

 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

99,276

81,619

 

Roy's

 

75,420

 

 

68,652

 

Bonefish Grills

71,621

67,378

Average unit volumes (weekly) for restaurants opened for less than one year:

 

 

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

$

64,847

$

66,336

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

 

61,892

 

 

59,538

 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

66,325

84,835

 

Roy's

 

70,871

 

 

53,657

 

Bonefish Grills

66,585

66,758

Operating weeks

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

8,143

7,501

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

 

1,937

 

 

1,222

 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

286

231

 

Roy's

 

234

 

 

192

 

Bonefish Grills

459

168

Year to year percentage change:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Menu price increases (1)

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

 

2.5%

 

 

2.1%

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

1.2%

1.3%

 

 

Bonefish Grills

 

2.0%

 

 

0.0%

 

Same-store sales (stores open 18 months or more):

 

 

Outback Steakhouses

 

6.7%

 

 

1.1%

 

Carrabba's Italian Grills

5.0%

-0.3%

 

 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

 

19.1%

 

 

10.1%

 

Roy's

17.9%

3.1%

 

 

Bonefish Grills

 

13.4%

 

 

2.6%

 

____________

(1) Reflects nominal amounts of menu price changes, prior to any change in product mix because of price increases, and

may not reflect amounts effectively paid by the customer.  Menu price increases are not provided for Fleming's

and Roy's as a significant portion of their sales come from specials, which fluctuate daily.

19



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited) (continued)

Other revenues.  Other revenues, consisting primarily of initial franchise fees and royalties, remained consistent for the first quarter of 2004, compared with 2003.  Although we purchased 19 domestic Outback Steakhouse franchised restaurants in the second half of 2003, which resulted in a decline in franchise fee revenue since we now record 100% of the restaurants’ revenues as Company owned restaurants, increased royalties from international franchisees offset the decline.

COSTS AND EXPENSES

Cost of sales.  Cost of sales, consisting of food and beverage costs, was flat as a percentage of restaurant sales in the first quarter of 2004 compared with the same period in 2003.  Decreases in cost of sales resulted from an increase in the proportion of consolidated sales associated with our non-Outback Steakhouse restaurants, which have lower cost of goods sold ratios than Outback Steakhouses, as well as favorable shrimp costs and a product mix shift away from higher cost steaks at domestic Outback Steakhouses in the quarter.  These decreases were offset by commodity cost increases for beef, dairy, lobster and certain produce.

Labor and other related expenses.  Labor and other related expenses include all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations, except for distribution expense to employee partners and employee partner stock buyout expense, described below.  Labor and other related expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.1% to 24.5% in the first quarter of 2004 compared with 24.6% in the same period in 2003.  Higher average unit volumes and increased productivity in most of our brands was partially offset by higher state unemployment taxes, employee bonuses and workers’ compensation expense.

Other restaurant operating expenses.  Other restaurant operating expenses include certain unit-level operating costs such as operating supplies, rent, repair and maintenance, advertising expenses, utilities, pre-opening costs and other occupancy costs. A substantial portion of these expenses is fixed or indirectly variable. These costs remained flat at 20.9% of restaurant sales in the first quarter of 2004, compared with the same period in 2003.  Increased other restaurant operating expenses resulted from an increase in the proportion of new format restaurants and international Outback Steakhouses in operation, which have higher average restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales than domestic Outback Steakhouses and Carrabba’s Italian Grills.  However, higher average unit volumes across the consolidated brands in the first quarter of 2004 offset these increases, and preopening costs for the quarter were consistent with the first quarter of 2003.

Distribution expense to employee partners.  Distribution expense to employee partners, excluding stock expense, includes distributions to managing partners and area operating partners of their percentage of restaurant cash flows pursuant to their interest agreements and cash buyouts of managing partners’ rights in the cash flows of their restaurants.  These costs remained consistent as a percentage of total revenues at 2.3% in the first quarter of 2004, compared with the same period in 2003.

Employee partner stock buyout expense.  Employee partner stock buyout expense includes non-cash expenses recorded for the accrual of future buyouts of area operating partners’ rights to the cash flows of their restaurants.  Upon buyout, area operating partners generally receive common stock in exchange for their rights in the cash flows of a restaurant.  Employee partner stock buyout expense increased 0.1% as a percentage of total revenues to 0.3% of total revenues for the first quarter of 2004, compared with 0.2% for the same period in 2003.  The increase was primarily due to higher average unit volumes and operating margins in the Roy’s and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar brands, which translates into higher anticipated buyout costs for the improved performance in these younger brands.

Depreciation.  Depreciation costs decreased 0.1% as a percentage of total revenues to 3.0% in the first quarter of 2004, from 3.1% in the same period in 2003.  Higher average unit volumes across the consolidated brands offset higher depreciation costs for certain of our new restaurant formats, which have higher average construction costs than an Outback Steakhouse.

20



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited) (continued)

General and administrative.  General and administrative costs increased by $8,207,000 to $30,703,000 in the first quarter of 2004 compared with $22,496,000 during the same period in 2003. This increase resulted from an increase in overall administrative costs associated with operating additional domestic and international Outback Steakhouses, Carrabba's Italian Grills, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouses, Roy’s and Bonefish Grills.  Additionally, the increase resulted from approximately $1,300,000 in consulting fees paid for supply chain management projects, approximately $600,000 in payroll taxes associated with additional stock option exercises resulting from an increase in the trading price of our common stock, and costs associated with the development of new restaurant formats, including approximately $400,000 associated with the start-up of Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen.

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates.  Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates represents our portion of net income from restaurants operated as development joint ventures.  Income from development joint ventures was $253,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $1,289,000 during the same period in 2003. This decrease was attributable to the consolidation of 33 previously unconsolidated joint venture restaurants effective January 1, 2004 upon adoption of FIN 46.  Approximately $1,000,000 of income recorded in this line item in the first quarter of 2003 did not recur in the same period in 2004 since, upon consolidation, the results of those 33 stores were included in all other lines of the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Income from operations. As a result of the increase in revenues, the opening of new restaurants subsequent to March 31, 2003, and the changes in the relationships between revenues and expenses discussed above, including the approximately $2,636,000 impact of consolidation of 33 joint ventures, income from operations increased by $12,661,000 to $79,956,000 in the first quarter of 2004 compared with $67,295,000 in the same period in 2003.

Other income (expense), net. Other income (expense) represents the net of revenues and expenses from non-restaurant operations. Net other expense was $873,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $943,000 in the same period in 2003.  There was no material change in non-operating income and expenses from the cash surrender value of life insurance, Kentucky Speedway and other miscellaneous expenses in this line item.

Interest income. Interest income was $332,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $542,000 in the same period in 2003.  Interest income decreased due to lower short-term investment balances as a result of cash used for acquisitions of franchisees and treasury stock purchases during the first quarter of 2004 compared with the same period in 2003.  The decrease in interest income was partially offset by the consolidation of a limited liability company owned by our California franchisee effective January 1, 2004 upon adoption of FIN 46.  Interest income included in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, included approximately $118,000 of income from notes receivable held by this entity.

Interest expense.  Interest expense was $705,000 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with $353,000 in the same period in 2003.  The increase in interest expense is due to higher average debt balances on borrowings for Outback Steakhouse’s international operations during the first quarter of 2004 compared with the first quarter of 2003.  Additionally, the increase in interest expense was partially attributable to the consolidation of a limited liability company owned by our California franchisee effective January 1, 2004 upon adoption of FIN 46.  Interest expense included in our Consolidated Statement of Income for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, included approximately $118,000 of expense from outstanding borrowings on the line of credit held by this entity.

Elimination of minority partners' interest. The allocation of minority partners’ income included in this line item represents the portion of income or loss from operations included in consolidated operating results attributable to our partners’ ownership interests.  As a percentage of revenues, the income allocations as a percentage of total sales were 0.5% and 0.2% during the quarters ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.  The increase in the ratio is the result of consolidation of 33 joint venture stores during the quarter, which increased minority partner income by approximately $1,050,000, or about 0.1%, and the remainder by an increase in overall restaurant operating margins and improvement in the performance of new format restaurants, which have a higher percentage of minority interest than our older formats.

21



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited) (continued)

Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes in the first quarter of both 2004 and 2003 reflects expected income taxes due at federal statutory rates and state income tax rates, net of the federal benefit. The effective income tax rate was 35.0% during the first quarter of 2004 and 34.7% during the first quarter of 2003.  The increase in the rate resulted from a decrease in the percentage of FICA tax credits for employee-reported tips during 2004.  Approximately 50% of our international restaurants in which we have a direct investment are owned through a Cayman Island corporation.

Net income and earnings per share. Net income for the first quarter of 2004 was $48,331,000 compared with $42,575,000 in the same period in 2003. Basic earnings per share increased $.09 as a result of the increase in net income as well as a decrease in basic weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 1,268,000 shares.  The decrease in basic weighted average shares outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 compared with March 31, 2003 was primarily due to the purchase of treasury shares, partially offset by the issuance of shares under stock option plans.  Diluted earnings per share increased $.08 during the first quarter of 2004 compared with the same period in 2003.  Diluted weighted average shares outstanding increased by approximately 284,000 shares, primarily as a result of the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding resulting from an increase in the average trading prices of our common stock during the quarter. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources (unaudited)

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated (in thousands):

THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31,


2004

2003



Net cash provided by operating activities

$

      69,744

 

$

      22,580

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (53,574

)

     (34,279

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

     (26,758

)

 

     (20,130

)


    


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

$

     (10,588

)

$

     (31,829

)



We require capital principally for the development of new restaurants, remodeling older restaurants and investments in technology.  We also require capital to pay dividends to common stockholders (refer to additional discussion in the Dividend section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation).  We also utilize capital to repurchase our common stock as part of an ongoing share repurchase program.  Capital expenditures totaled approximately $194,754,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 and approximately $57,838,000 and $38,488,000 during the first three months of 2004 and 2003, respectively.  We either lease our restaurants under operating leases for periods ranging from five to 30 years (including renewal periods) or build free standing restaurants where it is cost effective.

If demand for our products and services were to decrease as a result of increased competition, changing consumer tastes, changes in local, regional and national economic conditions or changes in the level of consumer acceptance of our restaurant brands, our restaurant sales could decline significantly.  The following table sets forth approximate amounts by which cash provided by operating activities may decline in the event of a decrease in revenues of 5%, 10% and 15% compared with total revenues for the period ended December 31, 2003 (in thousands):

5%

10%

15%




Decrease in restaurant sales

$

(136,000

)

$

(272,000

)

$

(409,000

)

Decrease in cash provided by operating activities

$

(24,000

)

$

(48,000

)

$

(72,000

)

The estimates above are based on the assumption that income before minority partners’ interest and provision for income taxes decreases approximately $0.29 for every $1.00 decrease in restaurant sales.  These numbers are estimates only and do not consider other measures we could implement were such decreases in revenue to occur.

22



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources (unaudited) (continued)

We have formed joint ventures to develop Outback Steakhouses in Brazil and the Philippines. We are also developing Company owned restaurants internationally in Puerto Rico, Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.

We have an agreement to develop and operate Fleming’s Prime Steakhouses and Wine Bars (“Fleming’s”) with our partners in the Outback/Fleming’s, LLC (the “LLC”, which is a consolidated entity).  We have loaned approximately $16,245,000 to our operating partners for their share of capital to build new restaurants beyond the initial agreed upon development under the LLC.  We expect to continue to make advances to our operating partners for the construction of new restaurants, and the assets of the LLC will continue to collateralize these advances.  Additionally, we are subject to a purchase or sale option after the twentieth restaurant is opened, which may require us to purchase an additional 40% in the LLC at a market value as determined by the terms of the LLC agreement.  The twentieth restaurant is scheduled to open in the second half of 2004.

During September 2003, we formed a limited liability company to develop Paul Lee’s Chinese Kitchen (“Paul Lee’s”) restaurants, which is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.  Under the terms of the agreement, we committed to the first $10,000,000 of future development costs to open the first five restaurants, $925,000 of which had been expended as of March 31, 2004.  Additionally, we are subject to a purchase or sale option if for eighteen consecutive months there is no restaurant development, whereby our partner may purchase our interest in the LLC for five times the restaurant cash flows for the immediately preceding twelve months.

CREDIT FACILITIES

We had an uncollateralized revolving line of credit which permitted borrowing of up to a maximum of $125,000,000 at 57.5 basis points over the 30, 60, 90 or 180 day London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) (ranging from 1.09% to 1.16% at March 31, 2004 and ranging from 1.12% to 1.22% at December 31, 2003).  At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 the unused portion of the revolving line of credit was $115,000,000. The credit agreement was to have matured in December 2004.  Subsequent to March 31, 2004, this line of credit was replaced by a new facility (discussed below), and therefore outstanding borrowings are classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement which requires us to maintain net worth of $618,500,000 as of March 31, 2004, a fixed charge coverage at a minimum of 3.5 to 1.0, and a maximum total debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.0 to 1.0. At March 31, 2004, we were in compliance with all of the above covenants.

We had a $15,000,000 uncollateralized line of credit bearing interest at rates ranging from 57.5 to 95.0 basis points over LIBOR.  Approximately $11,882,000 and $8,942,000 of the line of credit was committed for the issuance of letters of credit at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, as required by insurance companies that underwrite our workers compensation insurance and also where required for construction of new restaurants.  The remaining $3,118,000 at March 31, 2004 was available to us.  Subsequent to March 31, 2004, we replaced this line of credit with a new facility (discussed below).

Effective April 27, 2004, we replaced the $125,000,000 revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new uncollateralized three-year $150,000,000 revolving bank credit facility that matures in June 2007.  The revolving line of credit permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 50 to 90 basis points over the 30, 60, 90 or 180 day LIBOR rate.  The credit agreement contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement that require us to maintain consolidated net worth equal to or greater than consolidated total debt and a maximum total consolidated debt to EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent) ratio of 3.0 to 1.0.

23



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources (unaudited) (continued)

CREDIT FACILITIES (continued)

We also replaced the $15,000,000 line of credit that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new $20,000,000 uncollateralized line of credit.  The new line of credit matures in June 2007 and permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 50 to 90 basis points over LIBOR for loan draws and 65 to 112.5 basis points over LIBOR for letters of credit.  The credit agreement contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.

As of March 31, 2004, we had approximately $6,107,000 of notes payable at interest rates ranging from 2.07% to 7.00%.  These notes have been primarily issued for buyouts of general manager interests in the cash flows of their restaurants.

We have notes payable with banks bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.90% to 6.00% to finance development of our restaurants in Korea.  The notes are denominated and payable in Korean won and mature at dates ranging from August 2004 to March 2005.  As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance was approximately $24,169,000 and $21,130,000, respectively.  Certain of the notes payable are collateralized by lease and other deposits.  At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, collateralized notes totaled approximately $20,865,000 and $16,490,000, respectively. 

In April 2003, we obtained a controlling interest in our franchised restaurants in Japan (“Outback Japan”). As a result, upon closing of the transaction we became directly liable for notes outstanding that we had previously guaranteed.  The notes are payable to banks, collateralized by lease deposits of approximately $3,300,000 and letters of credit and bear interest at rates ranging from 0.76% to 1.88%.  The notes are denominated and payable in Japanese yen, with outstanding balances maturing at dates ranging from April through September 2004.  As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, outstanding balances totaled approximately $11,072,000 and $16,249,000, respectively.

In October 2003, Outback Japan established a revolving line of credit to finance the development of new restaurants in Japan and refinance certain notes payable.  The line permits borrowing up to a maximum of $10,000,000 with interest at 70.0, 82.5 or 107.5 basis points over LIBOR.  The line matures in December 2004. As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, Outback Japan had borrowed approximately $9,790,000 and $5,648,000, respectively, on the line of credit at an interest rate of 0.77%, maturing in June and August 2004.  The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.  As of March 31, 2004, Outback Japan was in compliance with all of the debt covenants. 

Effective April 27, 2004, Outback Japan amended its $10,000,000 revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature in December 2004, with a new maturity date in June 2007.  Additionally, the revolving line of credit now permits borrowing at interest rates ranging from 70 to 107.5 basis points over LIBOR.  The amended credit agreement contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.

In February 2004, Outback Japan established an additional revolving line of credit to finance the development of new restaurants in Japan and refinance certain notes payable.  The line permits borrowing up to a maximum of $10,000,000 with interest of LIBOR divided by a percentage equal to 1.00 minus the Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage. The line matures in December 2006. As of March 31, 2004, Outback Japan had borrowed approximately $1,202,000 on the line of credit at an interest rate of 0.77%, maturing in September 2004.  The revolving line of credit contains certain restrictions and conditions as defined in the agreement.  As of March 31, 2004, Outback Japan was in compliance with all of the debt covenants.

24



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources (unaudited) (continued)

CREDIT FACILITIES (continued)

We are the guarantor of an uncollateralized line of credit that permits borrowing of up to $35,000,000, maturing in December 2004, for a limited liability company, T-Bird, owned by our California franchisee.  The line of credit bears interest at rates ranging from 57.5 to 95.0 basis points over LIBOR based on T-Bird’s ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA, as defined by the line of credit agreement.  We were required to consolidate T-Bird effective January 1, 2004 upon adoption of FIN 46.  At March 31, 2004, the outstanding balance on the line of credit was approximately $28,743,000 and is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.  We also guarantee additional term loans associated with the owner of T-Bird, which are not consolidated, and which had outstanding balances of approximately $352,000 as of March 31, 2004.  We are not the primary obligor on the line of credit and we are not aware of any non-compliance with the underlying terms of the borrowing agreement that would result in us having to perform in accordance with the terms of the guarantee.  If a default under the line of credit were to occur and cause us to perform under the guarantee obligation, we have the right to call into default all of our franchisees in California and exercise any rights and remedies under those agreements as well as the rights to the notes and assets which underlie the loans T-Bird has made to individual corporations in California which own the land and/or building for those franchise locations.

We expect that our capital requirements through the end of 2004 will be met by cash flows from operations and, to the extent needed, advances on our lines of credit.

Our primary source of credit is our uncollateralized revolving line of credit that permits borrowing up to $150,000,000 (effective April 27, 2004).  Based upon provisions of the line of credit agreement as of April 27, 2004 and operating data and outstanding borrowings as of and through March 31, 2004, the margin over LIBOR rates charged to the us on future amounts drawn under the line would not be affected unless: (i) outstanding debt balances increased by more than $250,000,000; or (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent decreased more than 25%.  In addition, based upon provisions of the line of credit agreement as of April 27, 2004, availability of funds under the uncollateralized revolving line of credit would not be affected unless: (i) outstanding debt balances increased by more than $450,000,000; (ii) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent decreased more than 50%; or (iii) our net worth decreased approximately 45%.

DEBT GUARANTEES

We are the guarantor of an uncollateralized line of credit that permits borrowing of up to a maximum of $24,500,000 for our joint venture partner in the development of Roy’s restaurants. At March 31, 2004, the outstanding balance was approximately $21,541,000.

We are the guarantor of up to approximately $9,445,000 of a $68,000,000 note for an unconsolidated affiliate, Kentucky Speedway, in which we have a 22.22% equity interest and for which we operate catering and concession facilities. At March 31, 2004, the outstanding balance on the note was approximately $66,550,000. Our investment is included in the line item entitled “Investments In and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates, Net.” This affiliate has not yet reached its operating break-even point. Accordingly, we have made three additional working capital contributions, $667,000 in December 2001, $444,000 in July 2002 and $333,000 in August 2003, in addition to our original investment. We anticipate that we may need to make additional contributions for our pro rata portion of future losses, if any.

We are not aware of any non-compliance with the underlying terms of the borrowing agreements for which we provide a guarantee that would result in us having to perform in accordance with the terms of the guarantee.

25



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Liquidity and Capital Resources (unaudited) (continued)

SHARE REPURCHASE

On July 26, 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock, with the timing, price, quantity and manner of the purchases to be made at the discretion of management, depending upon market conditions. In addition, the Board of Directors also authorized the repurchase of shares on a regular basis to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises.  On July 23, 2003, our Board of Directors extended both the repurchase authorization for an additional 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, and the authorization to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises.  We will fund the repurchase program with available cash and bank credit facilities.  During the period from the authorization date through March 31, 2004, approximately 5,994,000 shares of our common stock have been issued as the result of stock option exercises. As of March 31, 2004, under these authorizations we have repurchased approximately 10,425,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $341,312,000. 

DIVIDENDS

Our Board of Directors authorized the following dividends during 2003 and 2004:

Declaration

  

Record

  

Payable

  

Amount per Share

Date

  

Date

  

Date

  

of Common Stock


  


  


  


January 22, 2003

  

February 21, 2003

  

March 7, 2003

  

          $

0.12

April 23, 2003

  

May 23, 2003

  

June 6, 2003

  

          $

0.12

July 23, 2003

  

August 22, 2003

  

September 5, 2003

  

          $

0.12

October 22, 2003

  

November 21, 2003

  

December 5, 2003

  

          $

0.13

January 28, 2004

  

February 20, 2004

  

March 5, 2004

  

          $

0.13

April 21, 2004

  

May 21, 2004

  

June 4, 2004

  

          $

0.13

At the current dividend rate, the annual dividend payment is expected to be between $36,000,000 and $40,000,000 depending on the shares outstanding during the respective quarters. We intend to pay dividends with cash flow from operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period.  We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.  Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. We consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our financial statements.

26



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (continued)

Property, Fixtures and Equipment

Property, fixtures and equipment are recorded at cost. We expense repair and maintenance costs incurred to maintain the appearance and functionality of the restaurant that do not extend the useful life of any restaurant asset or are less than $1,000.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

                                       

Buildings and building improvements

    

20 to 31.5 years

                                       

Furniture and fixtures

    

7 years

                                       

Equipment

    

2 to 15 years

                                       

Leasehold improvements

    

5 to 20 years

                                       

    

Our accounting policies regarding property, fixtures and equipment include certain management judgments and projections regarding the estimated useful lives of these assets and what constitutes increasing the value and useful life of existing assets.   These estimates, judgments and projections may produce materially different amounts of depreciation expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We assess the potential impairment of identifiable intangibles, long-lived assets and goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets is measured by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  In evaluating long-lived restaurant assets for impairment, we consider a number of factors such as:

                

a)

 

Restaurant sales trends;

                

b)

 

Local competition;

                

c)

 

Changing demographic profiles;

                

d)

 

Local economic conditions;

                

e)

 

New laws and government regulations that adversely affect sales and profits; and

                

f)

 

The ability to recruit and train skilled restaurant employees.

If the aforementioned factors indicate that we should review the carrying value of the restaurant’s long-lived assets, we perform an impairment analysis.  Identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of other assets and liabilities typically exist for land and buildings, and for combined fixtures, equipment and improvements for each restaurant.  If the total future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the carrying amount is written down to the estimated fair value, and a loss resulting from value impairment is recognized by a charge to earnings.

Judgments and estimates made by us related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets are affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions and changes in operating performance. As we assess the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of our long-lived assets, these factors could cause us to realize a material impairment charge.

27



Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (continued)

Insurance Reserves

We self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers’ compensation, general liability, health and property insurance programs. We purchase insurance for individual claims that exceed the amounts listed in the following table:

  

2004

  


Workers’ Compensation

$

1,000,000

General Liability (1)

1,500,000

Health (2)

 

300,000

Property Loss and Damage

5,000,000

____________

(1)     Beginning in 2004, for claims arising from liquor liability, there is an additional $1,000,000 deductible until a $2,000,000 aggregate has been met.  At that time, any claims arising from liquor liability revert to the general liability deductible. 

(2)     Beginning in 2004, we are self-insured for annual aggregate health insurance claims that exceed 113% of estimates provided by our third party administrator and insurance company.

We record a liability for all unresolved claims and for an estimate of incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost to us based on estimates provided by a third party administrator and insurance company. Our accounting policies regarding insurance reserves include certain actuarial assumptions and management judgments regarding economic conditions, the frequency and severity of claims and claim development history and settlement practices. Unanticipated changes in these factors may produce materially different amounts of expense that would be reported under these programs.

Revenue Recognition

We record revenues for normal recurring sales upon the performance of services. Revenues from the sales of franchises are recognized as income when we have substantially performed all of our material obligations under the franchise agreement. Continuing royalties, which are a percentage of net sales of franchised restaurants, are accrued as income when earned. These revenues are included in the line “Other revenues” in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income.

Unearned revenues primarily represent our liability for gift certificates that have been sold but not yet redeemed and are recorded at the anticipated redemption value. When the gift certificates are redeemed, we recognize restaurant sales and reduce the related deferred liability.

Employee Partner Stock Buyout Expense

Area operating partners are required to purchase a 4-9% limited partner ownership interest in the restaurants they develop for an initial investment of $50,000.  Under the terms of these partners’ employment agreements, we have the option to purchase their interest after a five-year period under the conditions of the agreement.  We estimate future purchases of our area operating partners’ interests using current information on restaurant performance to calculate and record an accrued buyout liability in the line item “Partner deposit and accrued buyout liability” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  When partner buyouts occur, they are primarily completed through issuance of our common stock to the partner equivalent to the fair value of their interest.  In the period we complete the buyout, an adjustment is recorded to recognize any remaining expense associated with the purchase and reduce the related accrued buyout liability.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES (continued)

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and our affiliated partnerships in which we are a general partner and own a controlling financial interest.  We consolidate variable interest entities in which we absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity.  The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts and operations of consolidated ventures in which we have a less than majority ownership.  We consolidate these ventures because we control the executive committee (which functions as a board of directors) or have control through representation on the board by related parties and we are able to direct or cause the direction of management and operations on a day-to-day basis.  Additionally, the majority of capital contributions made by partners in the consolidated ventures have been funded by loans to the partners either directly from us, or from a third party where we are required to be a guarantor of the debt, which provides us control through our collateral interest in the joint venture partners’ membership interests.  The portion of income or loss attributable to the minority interests, not to exceed the minority interest’s equity in the subsidiary, is eliminated in the line item in our Consolidated Statements of Income entitled “Elimination of minority partners’ interest.”  All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

OUTLOOK

The following discussion of our future operating results and expansion strategy and other statements in this report that are not historical statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and may be identified by words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “should,” “estimates” and similar expressions. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statement. We have endeavored to identify the most significant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements in the section entitled “Cautionary Statement” below. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In the Outlook portion of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, we provided information on the outlook for our businesses in 2004 and factors that may affect our financial results for that year.  The remaining paragraphs in this Outlook section update the information provided in the Form referenced above and we recommend that this section be read in conjunction with our Form 10-K.

Future Operating Results

Our revenues and financial results in the remainder of 2004 could vary significantly depending upon consumer and business spending trends.

2004 Revenue.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2004, compared with the same period a year ago, average unit volumes for domestic Company-owned Outback Steakhouses increased by approximately 5.2% and increased approximately 1.0% for domestic Company-owned Carrabba’s Italian Grills.  Average unit volumes for Carrabba’s includes the effect of the consolidation of 29 joint venture stores upon adoption of FIN 46.  Therefore, on a comparative basis, it is more appropriate to use the system-wide Carrabba's average of 2.7%, which includes revenues from both periods for all stores, which are now included as Company-owned.  For the remainder of 2004, average unit volumes for Carrabba's Italian Grills are expected to meet anticipated levels as provided in Form 10-K referenced above and average unit volumes for Outback Steakhouses are anticipated to increase 3.5% to 4.5% for the year, which is an increase from our original estimate of 2% to 3% during 2004 compared with 2003.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OUTLOOK (continued)

During the quarter ended March 31, 2004, compared with the same period in 2003, average unit volumes for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar increased 11.2%, Roy’s increased 14.0% and Bonefish Grills’ average unit volumes were relatively flat.  Although there was a significant increase in average unit volumes at Fleming’s, we are maintaining our original estimate of 4% to 5% increases as new stores tend to open at lower volumes and we expect to add 12 stores during 2004.  We are revising our original estimates for increases in Roy’s average unit volumes to 7% to 10% based on results achieved in the first quarter.  Fleming’s and Roy’s are not anticipated to maintain increases in average unit volumes as obtained in the first quarter for the remainder of the year.  We are not adjusting our previous estimates on average unit volumes for Bonefish Grill based on the opening schedule for the remainder of the year and results in the first quarter of 2004.

2004 Cost of Revenue.  As a result of marked increases in dairy prices, particularly butter, and changes in certain meat contracts which are scheduled to increase in the second quarter, as well as increases in certain produce costs, such as potatoes and onions, we now expect cost of goods sold as a percentage of restaurant sales for the full year to be 10 to 20 basis points higher than originally expected, for a total of approximately 20 to 40 basis points increase for the full year from 2003 amounts.

2004 Labor Costs.  As more of the new format restaurants (Roy’s, Fleming’s and Bonefish Grills) are opened, labor costs as a percentage of restaurant sales are expected to increase because the labor costs as a percentage of sales at the new restaurant formats run at a higher rate than at Outback and Carrabba’s.  However, we anticipate that increases in average unit volumes for our more mature formats will leverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales.  Because of increased productivity in most of our brands experienced in the first quarter of 2004, which was partially offset by higher state unemployment taxes, employee bonuses and workers’ compensation claims, we continue to expect labor costs as a percentage of restaurant sales for the full year to meet our original plan, of a 10 to 20 basis points decrease for the full year from 2003 amounts.

2004 Restaurant Operating Expenses.  Because we will continue to incur preopening costs to open approximately 20 more new restaurants in 2004 compared with 2003, we are not adjusting our original expectation for restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales, for a total of 40 to 50 basis points increase for the full year from 2003 amounts.

2004 Distribution Expense to Employee Partners.  Distribution expense to employee partners is affected by the number of cash buyouts of managing partners’ interests in their restaurants, average unit volumes, ownership percentage levels of our employee partners and operating margins across the consolidated brands.  We are currently planning for distribution expense as a percentage of total sales to be between flat and an increase of 10 basis points in 2004 compared with 2003, based on the operating results achieved by Roy’s and Fleming’s in the first quarter of 2004.

We are now planning for the remainder of 2004 for all other expense ratio variances to be comparable to those estimated in the 2003 Form 10-K Outlook section.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OUTLOOK (continued)

Expansion Strategy

Our goal is to add new restaurants to the system during the remainder of 2004.  The following table presents a summary of the expected restaurant openings during the full year 2004:

2004


Outback Steakhouses – Domestic

 

 

 

Company owned

28

to

30

 

Franchised

4

to

5

Outback Steakhouses – International

 

Company owned

13

to

15

Franchised

3

to

5

Carrabba’s Italian Grills

 

 

 

Company owned

24

to

25

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bars

 

 

 

Company owned

10

to

12

Bonefish Grills

 

 

 

Company owned

30

to

35

 

Franchised

 

  -

 

Roy’s

 

Company owned

1

to

2

Cheeseburger in Paradise

 

Company owned

6

to

8

Paul Lee's Chinese Kitchen

 

Company owned

 

2

 

Lee Roy Selmon’s

 

Company owned

 

-

 

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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement

As noted above, our actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements included in the discussion of future operating results and expansion strategy and elsewhere in this report as a result, among other things, of the following:

(i)

 

The restaurant industry is a highly competitive industry with many well-established competitors;

 

 

 

(ii)

 

Our results can be impacted by changes in consumer tastes and the level of consumer acceptance of our restaurant concepts; local, regional and national economic conditions; the seasonality of our business; demographic trends; traffic patterns; change in consumer dietary habits; employee availability; the cost of advertising and media; government actions and policies; inflation; and increases in various costs;

 

 

 

(iii)

Consumer perception of food safety;

 

 

 

(iv)

 

Our ability to expand is dependent upon various factors such as the availability of attractive sites for new restaurants; ability to obtain appropriate real estate sites at acceptable prices; ability to obtain all required governmental permits including zoning approvals and liquor licenses on a timely basis; impact of government moratoriums or approval processes, which could result in significant delays; ability to obtain all necessary contractors and subcontractors; union activities such as picketing and hand billing that could delay construction; the ability to generate or borrow funds; the ability to negotiate suitable lease terms; and the ability to recruit and train skilled management and restaurant employees;

 

 

 

(v)

 

Price and availability of commodities, including but not limited to, such items as beef, chicken, shrimp, pork, seafood, dairy, potatoes, onions and energy supplies are subject to fluctuation and could increase or decrease more than we expect; and/or

 

 

(vi)

 

Weather and acts of God could result in construction delays and also adversely affect the results of one or more restaurants for an indeterminate amount of time.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Item 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and changes in commodity prices.

Our exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited to our outstanding bank debt.  At March 31, 2004, outstanding borrowings under our revolving lines of credit bear interest at 57.5 basis points over the 30, 60, 90 or 180 London Interbank Offered Rate.  The weighted average effective interest rate on the $10,000,000 outstanding balance at March 31, 2004 was 1.83%.  At March 31, 2004, outstanding borrowings under our Japanese lines of credit bear interest at either 70.0, 82.5 or 107.5 basis points over LIBOR or LIBOR divided by a percentage equal to 1.00 minus the Eurocurrency Reserve Percentage.  The weighted average effective interest rate on the approximately $10,992,000 outstanding balance at March 31, 2004 was 0.77%.  Notes payable of approximately $11,072,000 to Japanese banks bear interest at rates ranging from 0.76% to 1.88% at March 31, 2004.  Notes payable of approximately $24,169,000 to Korean banks bear interest at rates ranging from 5.90% to 7.00% at March 31, 2004. 

Our debt balance did not exceed $35,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001.  At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, our total debt was approximately $91,000,000 and ­­­­­­­­­$58,000,000, respectively.  Should interest rates based on our average borrowings of approximately $89,000,000 through March 31, 2004 increase by one percentage point, our estimated annual interest expense would increase by approximately $900,000 over amounts reported for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Our exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations relates primarily to our direct investment in restaurants in Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Brazil, our outstanding debt to Japanese and Korean banks of approximately $22,064,000 and $24,169,000, respectively, at March 31, 2004 and to our royalties from international franchisees in 21 countries. We do not use financial instruments to hedge foreign currency exchange rate changes.  Our investments in these countries totaled approximately $21,677,000 and $21,457,000 as of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Many of the ingredients used in the products sold in our restaurants are commodities that are subject to unpredictable price volatility.  Although we attempt to minimize the effect of price volatility by negotiating fixed price contracts for the supply of key ingredients, there are no established fixed price markets for certain commodities such as produce and wild fish and we are subject to prevailing market conditions when purchasing those types of commodities. Other commodities are purchased based upon negotiated price ranges established with vendors with reference to the fluctuating market prices. The related agreements may contain contractual features that limit the price paid by establishing certain price floors and caps. We do not use financial instruments to hedge commodity prices because these purchase arrangements help control the ultimate cost paid.  Extreme changes in commodity prices and/or long-term changes could affect our financial results adversely, although any changes in commodity prices would affect our competitors at about the same time as us.  We expect that in most cases increased commodity prices could be passed through to our consumers via increases in menu prices.  However, if there is a time lag between the increasing commodity prices and our ability to increase menu prices or, if we believe the commodity price increase to be short in duration and we choose not to pass on the cost increases, our short-term financial results could be negatively affected. Additionally, from time to time, competitive circumstances could limit menu price flexibility, and in those cases margins would be negatively impacted by increased commodity prices.    

In addition to the market risks identified above and to the risks discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we are subject to business risk as our beef supply is highly dependent upon four vendors.  We currently purchase approximately 75% of our beef from the two largest beef suppliers in the country.  If these vendors were unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, we would encounter supply shortages and incur higher costs to secure adequate supplies.

This market risk discussion contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the discussion based upon general market conditions and changes in domestic and global financial markets.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES      

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and our subsidiaries required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with an internal audit review conducted in April 2004, we identified approximately $27,000 of audit fees paid to a foreign affiliate of our independent auditor by one of our international subsidiaries that were inadvertently excluded from our 2004 Proxy disclosure.  Our internal audit review also revealed that approximately $36,000 of non-audit services were provided by another foreign affiliate of our independent auditor to one of our international subsidiaries without the pre-approval of the audit committee of our board of directors, as required by the audit committee’s charter and SEC rules.  We have agreed with our independent auditor that we will not pay for the non-audit services that were not pre-approved.   Upon review of the services provided, our management and the audit committee have concluded that our external auditor’s independence was not compromised by the foregoing because of the immaterial amounts involved, because neither our senior financial management nor any member of our auditor’s audit team was aware that the services were being provided, and because the type of services provided were permissible under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act SEC rules.  We have implemented new controls that we believe will help assure our future compliance and have been advised of enhanced procedures that will be performed by our external auditor to ensure its ongoing independence.  Upon discussion with our auditor and our audit committee, we do not believe that these incidents rise to the level of material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our disclosure controls and procedures or in our internal controls over financial reporting.  However, because of the commitment of management and the audit committee to maintaining absolute independence of our auditor, we believe that disclosure of our findings and subsequent resolution was appropriate in this quarterly evaluation of controls.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation.  Other than improvement in our procedures for the engagement of services of outside consultants and other actions taken as a result of the matters discussed above, there has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as liquor liability, sexual harassment and slip and fall cases etc., which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance.  In the opinion of management, the amount of the ultimate liability with respect to those actions will not have a materially adverse impact on our financial position or result of operations and cash flows.

In June 2003, in a civil case against us in Indiana state court alleging liability under the "dram shop" liquor liability statute, a jury returned a verdict in favor of the two plaintiffs who were injured by a drunk driver.  The portion of the verdict against us was $39,000,000.  We intend to appeal the decision and believe we have valid grounds for appeal.  We have insurance coverage related to this case provided by our primary carrier for $21,000,000 and by an excess insurance carrier for the balance of the verdict of approximately $19,000,000.  As of the date of this filing, the excess insurance carrier has filed a declaratory judgment suit claiming it was not notified of the case and is therefore not liable for its portion of the verdict.  We do not believe the excess carrier’s case has any merit and we intend to vigorously defend the case.  If the excess carrier’s suit were to succeed, we believe we would have rights against the primary carrier and its third party administrator to recover any amounts we may have to pay.

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     (e) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table includes information with respect to purchases of our common stock made by us during the first quarter of the year ended March 31, 2004:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

 

 

 

Total number

Total number of shares

Maximum number of shares

 

of shares

Average price

purchased as part of publicly

that may yet be purchased

Period

purchased (1)

paid per share

announced programs (1)

under the programs (2)






Month #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (January 1 to January 31)

                   60,000

$

                 42.98

                                         60,000

                                   2,082,000

Month #2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (February 1 to February 29)

                          -  

$

                       -  

                                                -  

                                   2,316,000

Month #3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  (March 1 to March 31)

                 700,000

$

                 48.61

                                        700,000

                                   2,318,000



Total

 

                 760,000

 

$

                 48.17

                                       760,000

 

                                   2,318,000

 



____________

(1)  No shares were repurchased other than through our publicly announced repurchase programs and authorizations during the first quarter of our year ending December 31, 2004.

(2)  On July 26, 2000, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 4,000,000 shares of our common stock, with the timing, price, quantity and manner of the purchases to be made at the discretion of management, depending upon market conditions. In addition, the Board of Directors also authorized the repurchase of shares on a regular basis to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises. On July 23, 2003, our Board of Directors extended both the repurchase authorization for an additional 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, and the authorization to offset shares issued as a result of stock option exercises. During the period from the authorization date through March 31, 2004, approximately 5,994,000 shares of our common stock have been issued as the result of stock option exercises. As of March 31, 2004, under these authorizations we have repurchased approximately 10,425,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $341,312,000.


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Table of Contents

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.
PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a) Exhibits

4.79a

First Amendment to Multi-Currency Revolving Credit Facility and Guaranty Agreement between Outback Steakhouse Japan KK and Wachovia Bank, NA (filed herewith)

                 

                                                                                                                                    

4.81

$150,000,000.00 Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2004 among Outback Steakhouse, Inc., The Banks Listed Herein, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent, Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC, as Sole Arranger, SunTrust Bank as Syndication Agent and SouthTrust Bank, as Documentation Agent (filed herewith)

                 

                                                                                                                                    

4.82

$20,000,000.00 Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2004 between Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association (filed herewith)

                 

                                                                                                                                    

4.83

Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of February 6, 2001 between T-Bird Nevada, LLC and Bank of America, N.A. (filed herewith)

                 

                                                                                                                                    

4.83a

Amended and Restated Promissory Note by T-Bird Nevada, LLC to Bank of America, N.A. (filed herewith)

                 

                                                                                                                                    

                 

                                                                                                                                    

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act

                 

                                                                                                                                    

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act

                 

                                                                                                                                    

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20021

                 

                                                                                                                                    

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 20021

1These certifications are not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.  These certifications will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.

The registrant hereby undertakes to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or other attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

We furnished the following current reports on Form 8-K on the following dates during the 1st quarter of 2004:

February 11, 2004 reporting our financial results for the fourth quarter of 2003.

                                                                                                                      

February 18, 2004 announcing a 10b5-1 plan entered into by Paul E. Avery.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

                             

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, INC.

Date:  May 10, 2004

                             

 

                                                              

                             

  

 

 

By:  /s/ Robert S. Merritt                                   
                Robert S. Merritt
                Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

37